C. Douglas Ebersole
Director, Aerospace Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory,
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
BSAAE 1982
"The theoretical underpinning, technical skills and work ethic acquired during my time at Purdue provided me a solid foundation to begin my professional journey. Throughout that journey, I have benefitted for the brand and credibility that comes with being a Boilermaker alum. The successes that I have enjoyed can in large part be attributed to these factors along with a little good luck and timing."
Mr. C. Douglas Ebersole graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 1982. Mr. Ebersole, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Director, Aerospace Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. In this capacity he leads the Air Force's science and technology program in propulsion, power and air vehicles for advanced next-generation space, missile and aircraft applications. The Aerospace Systems Directorate consists of $4 billion in research facilities spread over 65 square miles at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio and Edwards AFB in California and a work force of more than 1,800 military, civilians, and contractors executing a nearly $700 million annual budget.
Mr. Ebersole entered civil service upon graduation from Purdue University and was assigned to the Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. His initial assignments were as the aero/performance lead on the F-20 and F-16 Falcon programs. He later served as the lead flight technology engineer for the F-117A Nighthawk and F-15E Strike Eagle programs, responsible for all performance and flying qualities functions. Mr. Ebersole broadened his technical base beyond his aero/mechanics foundation as the platform integration team lead in the Joint Airborne Signals Intelligence Program Office. He then held follow-on avionics development and integration roles in the Joint Strike Fighter Support and Aging Aircraft Program offices.
In 2000, Mr. Ebersole was selected as the Air Force candidate to the Sloan Fellows Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he received his MBA. He returned to Wright-Patterson AFB and served in a variety of assignments including Chief, Special Test Programs Division and Director of Engineering for the F-22 Program. Prior to his current assignment, Mr. Ebersole was Director of Engineering for the F-35 Joint Program Office in Arlington, Virginia responsible for the development, production and sustainment of the next generation strike aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and numerous international partners.